Wayanad man taken into custody for cyberbullying Hanan Hamid; let off after interrogation

After her story was reported by a Malayalam newspaper, online abusers went berserk on social media, trolling Hanan.

Hanan Hamid (Photo | EPS/A Sanesh)

KOCHI: The Kerala Police’s decision to let off the person who was taken into custody for cyberbullying Hanan Hamid, the college student who became a social media sensation after news reports on her selling fish became viral, points to the fact that proving charges in social media abuse cases is an uphill task.
Wayanad-native Nooruddin Shaik, who was taken into custody, was later released after interrogation.

“Many persons posted abusive comments under the video post of Nooruddin. A detailed investigation is underway,” Ernakulam Central Assistant Commissioner K Laljy had told Express.

Based on a directive from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Kochi city police had registered a case against Nooruddin under section 67 of IT Act, section 509 and 34 of IPC and 120 (O) of Kerala Police Act on Friday.

However, former Director General of Prosecution T Asif Ali said the absence of Section 66 A of IT Act (which penalises for sending “offensive messages”) was proving to be an impediment. “On the internet, there are no limits for publishing content. It’s high time the re-introduction of Section 66 (A) of IT Act is considered,” he said.

Earlier, the police had recorded the statements of Hanan, who has been undergoing treatment for an ear infection at a hospital in Kothamangalam. Nooruddin posted a video citing Hanan’s selling fish in the market was a publicity stunt.

“It was a sponsored programme. She came to Thammanam only two days back and on the second day, she came in her college uniform to sell fish. Following this, a reporter of a Malayalam daily came in and covered her story. The next day, she received an offer from director Arun Gopi. They are all part of promotions of a movie,” he had said in his video post.

After her story was reported by a Malayalam newspaper, online abusers went berserk on social media, trolling Hanan. They alleged the story was part of a publicity campaign for Mohanlal’s film. Hanan, 21, comes from a family of an alcoholic father and a mentally-depressed mother.

In order to fund her education and support her family, she sells fish after college, acts in films as a junior artist and takes tuition for school going children. Her determination in the face of hardships brought her laurels after her story went viral.